Defense Verdict Obtained for LA Metro in Personal Injury Case

September 2026

Plaintiff Robert Nigoghossian, a 68-year-old bus passenger, sued our client, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro) for alleged personal injuries arising from a June 2023 incident on a Metro bus. As the bus began moving through an intersection, an unidentified vehicle made a sudden U-turn in front of the bus. The bus driver, William Velayo, applied the brakes to avoid a collision. At the time, Nigoghossian was walking toward a seat behind the yellow line and was not holding onto a pole or strap. He fell and struck his head and back. 

Nigoghossian alleged that the incident caused a mild traumatic brain injury and significant back injuries, and sought damages for his claimed injuries and future treatment. Managing Partner Michael Eisenbaum disputed liability and causation, arguing that Velayo’s braking was a reasonable response to an unexpected vehicle maneuver, and presented evidence regarding Nigoghossian’s preexisting back symptoms and other medical history. 

The jury found that employee Velayo was technically negligent in failing to follow certain Metro post-incident procedures, including immediately stopping to attend to Nigoghossian and providing contact cards to witnesses. However, the jury found that Velayo’s negligence was not a substantial factor in causing Nigoghossian’s injuries and returned a defense verdict on July 24, 2026, in under two hours. Judgment was entered in favor of LA Metro on August 18, 2026. 

Please Note: This article is necessarily general in nature and is not a substitute for legal advice with respect to any particular case. Readers should consult with an attorney before taking any action affecting their interests.